Plumbing supply closes Winnellie store to focus on busy locations

TERRITORY businesses are making heartbreaking decisions in order to survive the economic downturn. Plumbing supplier Tradelink closed its Winnellie store to save more prosperous stores in Coconut Grove and Berrimah.

Tradelink are shutting their Winnellie store to focus on their remaining locations in Coconut Grove, Berrimah and Katherine. Picture: Raphaella Saroukos

TERRITORY businesses are making heartbreaking decisions in order to survive the economic downturn.

In the last month Tradelink closed two of its five Northern Territory stores.

Tradelink Winnellie staff confirmed the location closed as a plumbing supply store last Friday and said it would continue as a clearance centre until the end of May.

Tradelink’s Coolalinga store closed a few weeks prior.

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“We’ve not closed because we want to but because we have to,” staff said.

“We’ve made the tough decision to close this one and consolidate Berrimah and Coconut Grove.

“It’s a sign of the times. If we could make it viable and profitable we would but the only way we’d do it is if it was down to one person and we can’t have that.”

They said the store was in the process of distributing products to Tradelink stores across the country and by the end of May, about three staff would be made redundant.

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The Government’s housing and stimulus schemes weren’t improving the economic situation.

They added the store’s Winnellie location wasn't ideal for business.

“It’s a tough economic climate in Darwin,” staff said.

“It’s not rocket science when you drive around Winnellie and look at all the for lease and for sale signs.”

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Staff said efforts would be focused on their remaining Darwin stores in Coconut Grove and Berrimah.

“You’ve got to be resilient and you’ve got to make the right decisions to keep your business afloat,” they said.

“Tradelink isn’t closing down, contrary to what rumours are. We’re committed to the NT and plumbers want us here. We’re not giving up, it’s not in our nature.

“We’re still investing in products and the like. Our Berrimah and Coconut Grove stores will get a new showroom and we’re adding more products, so it’s not all doom and gloom. It’s business as usual at those locations.”